The terrorist threat level in Dubai was raised to 'high' by the Foreign Office yesterday.

It follows warnings terrorists may be planning 'indiscriminate attacks' on the United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is a part.

The oil-rich Gulf state is home to more than 100,000 Britons, most of whom live in Dubai, and attracts a million British tourists a year.

'Strong chance' of a terrorist attack: The Foreign Office has raised its threat level in Dubai

But the Foreign Office did not issue any warning against travel to the UAE, all of which is covered by the increased threat status.

The threat to UAE was raised from 'general'. The other levels are 'underlying' and 'low'.

Dubai has been described by some terrorism experts as a perfect target for Al Qaeda: it is pro-Western, home to many Western expats, and its many skyscrapers could provide the scene for a spectacular attack.

There have been claims it has been paying off Al Qaeda not to be attacked.

The British embassy's website said: 'We believe terrorists may be planning to carry out attacks on the UAE.

'Attacks could be indiscriminate and could happen at any time, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.'